Princess Creek Campground

For Oregonians with a love for high-mountain lakes and the serene beauty of the Deschutes National Forest, Princess Creek Campground on Odell Lake offers an appealing destination. Situated amidst sparkling waters, tranquil streams, and nearby scenic peaks, this campground provides a picturesque backdrop for a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. It’s a place where the majestic views of Diamond Peak across Odell Lake can truly take your breath away, making it a potentially fantastic spot for an Oregon getaway.

Princess Creek Campground is designed to accommodate various camping styles, from tent campers to those in RVs and trailers. Its direct access to Odell Lake, a large and clear body of water, is a significant draw. The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for lake trout (Mackinaw) and Kokanee salmon, and is popular for both motorized and non-motorized boating, including windsurfing and kayaking. A convenient boat ramp within the campground makes launching your watercraft a breeze, allowing for effortless enjoyment of the lake's abundant offerings.

It is important to approach Princess Creek Campground with informed expectations, as some past experiences from fellow Oregonians highlight specific considerations. While many sites, particularly those facing the lake, are described as "absolutely beautiful," other sites, like the infamous #27 and #29, have faced challenges with swampy conditions, tall unkempt grass, and lack of views. This feedback is crucial for future visitors, emphasizing the importance of site selection for a positive experience. Despite these isolated issues, the core appeal of the campground—its stunning location on Odell Lake and access to the vast Deschutes National Forest—remains a strong draw for many.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Princess Creek Campground, drawing on both its advertised features and valuable insights from real customer reviews. Our goal is to help local Oregonians make informed decisions, understand what to expect, and ultimately, discover the many reasons why this campground, with careful planning, can indeed offer a memorable outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Princess Creek Campground is located at 63095 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701, USA, which places it on the shores of Odell Lake within the Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon. While the address lists Bend, the campground is actually closer to Crescent, specifically situated on the northern side of Odell Lake. This strategic position offers stunning views and direct access to one of Oregon's most beloved high-altitude lakes.

Access to Princess Creek Campground is primarily via Oregon Route 58 (Highway 58), which is a major east-west highway connecting the Willamette Valley with Central Oregon. From Bend, visitors would typically travel southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (OR-46), eventually connecting to OR-58. From Crescent, OR, it's approximately 12.2 miles west on County Road 61/Crescent Cut-off Road, then 9.1 miles northwest on Highway 58. The campground entrance is usually well-marked off this highway.

It's important to note that while the main roads leading to the area are paved, some internal campground roads might have potholes or be unpaved, as mentioned in customer reviews. Visitors should be prepared for varying road conditions within the campground itself. However, the overall accessibility to this part of the Deschutes National Forest is excellent, allowing for relatively easy travel for both cars and RVs.

The most significant accessibility feature of Princess Creek is its direct proximity to Odell Lake. The campground offers a convenient boat ramp, allowing campers to easily launch motorized and non-motorized boats onto the lake for fishing, boating, and windsurfing. This immediate lake access is a primary highlight, ensuring that water-based recreation is literally steps away from many campsites. Additionally, the surrounding Deschutes National Forest provides numerous hiking and biking trails, further enhancing the accessibility to a diverse range of outdoor activities. The scenic drive along Highway 58, often referred to as "Oregon's Highway in the Sky," also adds to the overall appeal, providing breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes on the journey to the campground.

Services Offered

• Campsites: Princess Creek Campground offers 28 standard non-electric campsites, suitable for both tent and RV campers. There is also a "Multi-Site Option" which provides a larger space for groups or families.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient area for outdoor dining and camp activities.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Campers will find a fire ring with a grill at each site, ideal for campfires and cooking, subject to current fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilet facilities, offering essential, basic restroom services. Reviews generally describe these as clean.
• Boat Ramp: A significant amenity is the boat ramp available within the campground, providing direct access to Odell Lake for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is NO potable drinking water available at Princess Creek Campground. Visitors must bring their own supply of water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No Electric/Water/Sewer Hookups: As a standard non-electric campground, there are no utility hookups for RVs. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions in terms of power and water.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at Princess Creek Campground, but they must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.
• Reservations Available: Many sites are available by advanced reservations through Recreation.gov, though some sites may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Garbage Collection: Limited trash disposal options are likely available, but campers are always encouraged to minimize waste and practice "pack it in, pack it out."

Features / Highlights

• Direct Lake Access: A major highlight is the immediate and easy access to Odell Lake, with many campsites offering "beautiful views" of the lake and a convenient boat ramp within the campground.
• Excellent Fishing: Odell Lake is renowned for its fishing, particularly for large lake trout (Mackinaw) and Kokanee salmon, making it a premier spot for anglers.
• Boating & Water Sports: Ideal for a variety of water activities including motorized and non-motorized boating, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.
• Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Odell Lake and the surrounding Cascade Mountains, including Diamond Peak, providing a picturesque natural backdrop.
• Forested Setting: Campsites are tucked away in a heavily forested area with Douglas fir, white fir, hemlock, and ponderosa pines, offering shade and a natural ambiance.
• Nearby Attractions: Proximity to other attractions like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Lava Lands Visitor Center, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species like eagles soaring over the lake.

Contact Information

Princess Creek Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Deschutes National Forest. For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 63095 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701, USA (located on Odell Lake)

Primary Phone: (541) 383-5300

Mobile Phone: +1 541-383-5300

For specific campground inquiries or to check current conditions, the local Deschutes National Forest Crescent Ranger District office can be contacted. For reservations, especially during peak season, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for "Princess Creek Campground, Deschutes National Forest." This platform provides real-time availability and allows you to book your campsite in advance, which is crucial given the varied quality of sites. It is always best to contact the Forest Service directly before your trip for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions, and any site-specific advisories.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Princess Creek Campground holds a unique allure for Oregonians, offering a quintessential high-lakes camping experience that, with proper preparation, can be incredibly rewarding. Despite some critical reviews about specific sites, the campground's fundamental appeal lies in its stunning location on Odell Lake within the Deschutes National Forest. For locals who prioritize direct access to water recreation, this campground is an excellent choice. Odell Lake is a treasure for fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and kayakers alike, and having a boat ramp directly within the campground makes getting on the water effortlessly convenient.

The honest feedback from past campers serves as a valuable guide for future visitors, especially for local Oregonians who can be flexible with their site selection. By noting which sites to potentially avoid (like #27 and #29) and prioritizing those with lake views and better drainage, locals can significantly enhance their experience. The collective advice of fellow campers suggests that many sites are indeed "absolutely beautiful," highlighting the potential for a truly memorable stay if the right spot is chosen. This community insight makes it highly suitable for locals who can leverage this knowledge for a more informed and enjoyable trip.

Furthermore, Princess Creek offers a back-to-basics camping experience that many Oregonians appreciate. While there are no electric or water hookups, the presence of clean vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings provides essential comforts. The surrounding Deschutes National Forest offers ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying the serene forest environment. The convenience of being able to reserve sites in advance, coupled with the detailed site descriptions often found on reservation platforms, empowers locals to plan their trip meticulously and secure a desirable spot.

In conclusion, Princess Creek Campground, with its direct lake access, potential for stunning views, and immersion in the Deschutes National Forest, remains a valuable and suitable destination for Oregonians. It offers a chance to embrace the natural beauty and recreational abundance of our state, provided campers arrive prepared and mindful of specific site conditions. For those who seek a genuine Central Oregon lake adventure, Princess Creek can indeed be a princely escape.

Princess Creek Campground

63095 Deschutes Market Rd, Bend, OR 97701, USA